[Illustration: Goat Defending His Family from a Lynx.]
There is a striking resemblance in form, the habit of living and
character of the Bezoargoat, (extensively raised in mountainous regions
of Asia Minor, Persia and various islands of Greece) and the Stonebuck
of the Alps. The body of the Bezoargoat is narrow and the limbs high.
The long, strong horns form a uniformly curved arch, and both sexes have
strong beards. The skin is colored reddish gray along the sides of the
neck, growing lighter towards the body. The thigh is white both
underneath and outside. The breast, chin and ridge of the nose is
blackish brown. Their nourishment consists of dry grasses, cedar
needles, leaves and fruits.
The Bezoargoats are very shy and experts in racing and climbing,
venturing the most dangerous leaps with the utmost courage and
dexterity. They are able to brave the greatest dangers. There is,
nevertheless, a source of danger threatening their young from the Eagle,
the Bearded Vulture and the Pardellynx. The Birds of Prey swoop rapidly
and unexpectedly from the heights and carry off the young Kid; but the
Pardellynx steals slyly upon the herd at pasture. This beautiful,
slender, crafty beast of prey, about the size of the Lynx, which is also
abundantly found in the Spanish mountains, eagerly hunts the Bezoargoat.
Through his exceptionally keen sense of sight and hearing, the crafty,
noiseless, sneaking Pardellynx frequently succeeds in stealing upon the
herd and despite their watchfulness attempts to overpower one of the
flock. The illustration on page 105 carries us into the mountain regions
of Taurus. A Pardellynx has crept unnoticed upon a family of grazing
Bezoargoats and has suddenly sprung upon the back of the old Goat,
burying his fangs into the neck of his prize.